This is your hub to cherry pick the latest news & views on climate change and how its effects will trickle into our economies, societies and daily lives in the years to come.
Read on to tune into the fresh perspectives and opinions from both our own experts and the other great movers & shakers out there. Have an idea or topic you'd like to learn more about? Get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!

Solutions that work in the best interest of commerce and community. We pick the brains of experts working with climate change, energy, sustainable cities, forest, water and land use

Corporate climate action can go beyond the provision of carbon credits. Look here for stories on real social and environmental impact.

Investing in the new low-carbon economy is a great opportunity. This is your feed for all things related to climate-smart investment.

Renewable energy means renewed productivity and efficiency for organisations and a fresh, renewed world for all. Browse the latest discussions on this topic.

From ramping up countries’ climate ambitions to operationalising the Paris climate agreement and defining a role for businesses in implementing it, the fortnight of UN climate talks and side-events centred on one key theme: translating commitments into ambitious, transparent climate action for all.

The panel examined the lessons from existing de-risking tools and strategised how to increase investments in the low carbon economy from USD billions to trillions, at COP24. The insights were striking. South Pole's Director Green Finance, Martin Stadelmann and panel moderator shares his thoughts and 5 key takeaways.

On November 7th 2018, South Pole held the workshop, “Addressing your Climate Risks and Opportunities” with GreenBuzz in Zurich, focussing on the Task force on Climate-Related Disclosure (TCFD) and Science Based Targets (SBTs). The event brought together an interesting combination of delegates, with representatives from both corporates and investment companies in attendance. In case you missed out, South Pole's Ramona Bettler brings you this recap from the day.

Want to offer sustainable gas products to your customers? South Pole’s Michael Weber provides an 8-step guide on how to use biogas certificates, carbon offsets or a combination of both to find a solution that works for you and your customers.
This post is also available in German.

With the urgency of reducing our carbon footprint becoming more visible by the day, it's great to see more and more brands making claims about their carbon reductions. As they do, credibility is key; these claims are only as powerful as our trust in them. Recognizing this, Swiss carbon finance consultancy South Pole recently launched updated versions of its Climate Neutrality and Renewable Electricity labels, used by companies to certify the validity of their claims in these areas. The updated labels make these certifications even more robust.

"Australia is wealthy and diverse, Australia has an indigenous culture to respect – and Australia must be honest with itself ... These four ingredients: wealth, diversity, indigenous culture and honesty, are what Australia needs to meet our Paris climate targets – and to end the decades-long struggle for an energy system that is affordable, reliable, fair and clean." – South Pole's Jay van Rijn recounts our recent Climate Leaders Forums in Sydney and Melbourne, and highlights growing cross-sector momentum in Australia that is crucial in accelerating the country's climate ambitions towards stepping up to play its part in limiting global warming to 1.5ºC.

All investments have an impact, be it positive or negative, socially and/or environmentally. Similarly, climate events—such as floods and droughts—have a financial impact. But how can the financial system navigate climate risks? Following the IPCC's Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC, this is a growing topic of debate and discussion. One emerging solution gaining traction is the fast-growing green bond market. In this article, Affirmative Investment Management's Lisa Wong explores how the green bond market can help investors navigate climate risk.

Waving ‘goodbye’ to the so-called safe life to set up Chooose was one of the toughest decisions that Andreas Slettvoll ever had to take. Since then, the now CEO and Co-Founder has seen the platform for climate positivity picked as a top 10 startup globally by Richard Branson's Extreme Tech Challenge and listed as one of the hottest young companies disrupting the climate space.
Our team had the pleasure of speaking with Andreas on engaging people through positive narratives, simplifying (not stupefying!), and how climate action is inspiring – beyond just the business case.

The physical impacts of climate change pose a threat to our environment, society and economy. The impact of these risks can already be seen across geographies and sectors, as severe climate events become more frequent. If we don’t act now, the incidence of droughts and floods will increase by a dangerous degree in the next 12 years. Cutting emissions at an accelerated speed before 2030 is a critical part of avoiding such consequences. But, how can we also avoid the financial implications resulting from the exposure of investments and physical assets to these risks? South Pole's Hanna Värtto explores in this opinion piece originally written for EIT Climate-KIC.

A better tomorrow awaits if we succeed in limiting global warming to 1.5°C, yet we are hopelessly off-target in capping rising temperatures, and it’s becoming exceedingly difficult to do so. We know that time is quickly running out, that taking climate action makes financial sense, and that we need to channel trillions to mitigate climate change and accelerate the turn to zero net carbon. So what does this mean for European financial centres and how can they best prepare to the inevitable shift towards green and sustainable finance? The new climate reality is a ‘use it or lose it’ moment for financial centres in Europe. The UN-led Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) wants to make sure it is the former – read on to find out how.

As the Doomsday Clock closes in on midnight, the term “global warming” and its reactionary partner “climate action” have taken on significance beyond buzzwords. Acknowledging the urgent need for climate action and embracing its leading role in addressing this global issue within the tourism industry, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has become increasingly proactive in recent years to offset its carbon footprint. Explore how the organisation is now partnering with South Pole and supporting the Kariba REDD+ project in Zimbabwe to offset emissions, supercharge biodiversity in southern Africa, and deliver life changing impacts to communities in the project area.

The dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in 2018 has brought the perceived long-term physical risks closer to the short-term for companies, supply chains and investors. Climate-risk assessments are the next frontier in future-proofing investments – and the agricultural sector should not be overlooked, says South Pole's John Davis...

The winds of change are blowing – and blockchain is at the forefront. In this article originally published by the World Economic Forum, South Pole's Renat Heuberger and Ingo Puhl delve into the huge potential of blockchain technology for impact investment and just how we can begin to tap into it...

Starting out as a corporate journalist at LM Wind Power back in 2007, Lene Mi Ran Kristiansen, Senior Manager, Communications & Sustainability, remains determined to keep telling the story of why sustainability matters - for LM Wind Power’s business, employees, and partners alike. And there is no shortage of news coming from the leading supplier of rotor blades to the wind industry: the company recently announced its milestone of reaching carbon neutrality, a global first in the industry. Our team had the pleasure of speaking with Lene on leading an organisation-wide sustainability program, engaging with suppliers - and being a stubborn and impatient optimist.

Despite the media attention, transformative action to turn the tide from ecosystem degradation to restoration and protection in order to solve our global climate and development challenges is still not happening fast enough. Yes, important progress has been made, including numerous companies making ambitious and far-reaching commitments at the board-level. But it’s the implementation of those commitments which are most challenging. Florian Reber elaborates in this article originally published by the World Economic Forum.

The sporting industry is not your average billion-dollar global business. Although like most large, globalised industries the sporting industry leaves a rather hefty environmental footprint, sports are unique in their ability to convene, to move, and to inspire – and it’s a powerful ability not to be overlooked. South Pole's Michael Malara recently spoke to The School For Humanity about how our global economies and societies truly thrive when sports and sustainability are intertwined. Want to hear more?

All eyes were on San Francisco last week, as the pretty port city played host to the highly anticipated Global Climate Action Summit. Hosted by the State of California and the UN Foundation, GCAS 2018 truly lived up to its aim to "Take Climate Ambition to the Next Level". Not up to speed? Read on as South Pole communications aficionados, Nadia Kahkonen & Gabriella Warden bring you this wrap up of the achievements, commitments and celebrations that occurred last week in the Golden Gate City...

Climate action and carbon neutrality are not new concepts to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) or the travel industry in general. Recognizing the very act of travel contributes to increasing greenhouse gases, three years ago ATTA realized it needed to understand the language of carbon neutrality and offsetting, and share its learnings with ATTA members and the industry at large. ATTA recently contracted with South Pole to advise, oversee, analyze, and report on our climate action efforts. The company has kindly offered some advice on how ATTA members can start their own climate action journeys...

The 50th annual Almedalen gathering in Sweden hosted over 30,000 members of the public, politicians, corporates, NGOs and journalists in free and open sessions to discuss current political and social issues in the picturesque Hanseatic town of Visby, on Gotland’s Baltic coast. South Pole's Head of Corporate Climate Risks and Opportunities, Charles Henderson, recounts the stories and examples of Swedish corporate climate action shared at South Pole Sweden's July 4th Seminar during Almedalen 2018 that will confront, inspire and enlighten.

The night of Wednesday, July 11th not only saw the second semifinal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with Croatia eliminating England from the running, or the third game of the 2018 State of Origin Series. It also saw the birth of a new and exciting format in the Australian sustainability landscape: South Pole Australia's Climate and Energy Leaders Forum.

China, Korea, and Japan now have variations of a carbon market at the national or subnational level, but there are wide differences in policy design and implementation status. There are ample opportunities for increased dialogue between China, Korea, and Japan on carbon markets that could reduce industry concerns on competitiveness and offer opportunities for governments to raise emission reduction targets. For further insight, read this synopsis of South Pole Director of Climate Policy & Carbon Markets, Jeff Swartz's chapter in the Asia Society Policy Institute's report: 'Carbon Market Cooperation in Northeast Asia: Assessing Challenges and Overcoming Barriers'.

Remember some years back as we first realised the impact of emissions and carbon consumption on all aspects of our lives? There was a move to create systems to offset personal use associated especially with airline travel. Whatever happened to that initiative? Well, now a new W2O carbon offset initiative in partnership with South Pole and UCapture supports progressive action toward a carbon-diminished future by reviving this initiative.

Creative communication: it’s powerful stuff – and it’s a driving force behind the growing momentum and success of the sustainability movement. But just how can one harness the power of creative communications, and transform complex information into a universally understood message for further successes in the sustainability sphere? Exploring this challenge was at the heart of South Pole’s recent breakfast seminar in Stockholm.

While trade wars over steel and aluminium loom between the US and China, Europe, and other major economies, climate change has emerged as another possible flashpoint for a new kind of trade war. President Trump has announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, making the US the only country in the world not to participate. The idea of a border carbon tax, or a border cost adjustment, has been around for a long time, but the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represents the first time a climate change trade war could really become a reality... Read on to hear South Pole's Director Climate Policy & Carbon Markets, Jeff Swartz share his thoughts on the possibility of a climate change trade war.

This week saw ethical bottled mineral water social enterprise, Belu collaborate with The Sustainable Restaurant Association on the launch of a plastics toolkit to help food service businesses navigate the plastics challenge. Read on to hear Karen Lynch, Chief Executive of Belu talk about her experience of ‘Unwrapping Plastics in Hospitality’.

On Friday, June 15 South Pole's Marketing & Communications Director, Tom Schröder spoke at the Banksia Foundation's 'Ignite' Forum during Sydney's Vivid Festival. The forum honed in on the increasing prominence of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcased the ‘fires of action’ that are reshaping our society towards sustainable growth. As of today, one thousand days have passed since more than 190 countries signed up to the SDGs. Read on to learn how leadership by business, government and the Australian community is creating change for the better and working towards the Global Goals.

Sustainable Brands’ annual global flagship event for Purpose-Driven Brand Innovation this year was held in the Canadian West Coast city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Sustainable Brands boasts a great line up of inspiring speakers representing the world’s leading purpose-driven brands. It’s a great occasion to network, spend time with old friends – and meet new ones. Find out what you missed at SB18 Vancouver with our Marketing & Communications Director, Tom Schröder as he shares his key takeaways, impressions of Vancouver and more.

You know the South Pole penguin, but what about the faces behind it? In March, South Pole’s marketing team visited our Gunung Salak Geothermal Energy project south of Jakarta, Indonesia. The geothermal facility site visit was followed by a ceremonial orchid planting and a knowledge-sharing workshop on climate change at a local school beneficiary of the project. Read on for a deeper insight into our Gunung Salak project, learn how geothermal power works, see the incredibly hospitable culture of Indonesia and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of one of our core teams at work.

Climate policy developments in Southeast Asia in the next few years will be pivotal in determining whether the world achieves the Paris Agreement's 2ºC goal – and in unlocking regional green growth opportunities worth an estimated $1 trillion. South Pole's Jeff Swartz takes a look at the prospects for Southeast Asian carbon markets in the latest edition of IETA Insights.

At this year’s Ceres Conference a strong contingent of US business leaders filled the political void, championing climate action on the global stage and committing to Science Based Targets (SBTs). The energy of the ‘We Are Still In [Paris]’ campaign has transcended sectoral divides, but this conference heard repeated demands for ‘collaboration’ amongst corporates to ‘go big’ and deliver sustainable action at scale. Read South Pole's Bethan Halls' recap of Ceres 2018 to find out how corporate power could potentially scale sustainable action across global supply chains.

‘Brighter Lives, Better World’; this is the title of global market leader Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, whose ambitious sustainability campaign, which includes the 2020 target of 100 percent carbon neutrality. South Pole spoke to Robbert Slooten, Global Sustainability Program Manager at Signify, who shone a light on how the company is using its sustainability policy to align its values and product offerings with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development and to connect with employees, customers and communities in the developing world.

Mega-sports events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl have been greening in some way, shape or form for more than a decade. Waste reduction, LEED (or BREEAM or CASBEE) certification, measuring carbon footprint, and more. I got to thinking it would be interesting to talk to one of the companies that does the carbon footprint accounting — to understand how it works, what gets measured, what decisions, if any, are made to reduce emissions.

On 8 March, South Pole and WWF Sweden co-hosted a new seminar: "Agenda 2030: The Paris Agreement and the role of climate finance – how can non-state actors and companies show the way?" Here you can find a rundown of the event, including some of the highlights, key debates and thoughts emerging from the day.

After nearly 20 years of steady growth, US CO2 emissions from energy took a sharp and unexpected dive in 2007. Experts generally attribute this decrease to the onset of the GFC and to a huge surge in cheap natural gas. However, those same experts have overlooked another key factor: the rise in renewable energy production from sources like wind and solar, which expanded substantially over the same 2007–2013 timeframe. Marius Schneider, Gernot Wagner, Jonathon Camuzeaux and Adrian Muller use a method called decomposition analysis to find out just how much renewables contributed to this dive.

In the words of the recent World Ocean Summit, the ocean is in trouble - despite the fact that it remains a vital resource with the potential to generate enormous economic growth. Ensuring sustainable economic activities and the long-term health of the ocean through collaboration was a key topic foregrounded at the carbon-neutral gathering in Mexico, and one that we explore further in this piece.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we're focussing on how climate and development actions impact women and girls in developing countries. Agnes Leina is the Executive Director of Illaramatak Community Concerns in Kenya, and a climate leader we had the pleasure to meet at the COP23 climate conference in Bonn.

Protecting vital ecosystems and creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities is clearly much more than a drop in the ocean of climate action. Failing to protect - and where necessary restore – these ecosystems would compromise our chances of avoiding severe social, environmental and economic consequences of climate change.

It's been almost 50 years since Woodstock Festival re-defined what it means to come together to listen to music. Woodstock 69' may have mainstreamed hippy culture, but what we're seeing today is a music revolution of a new kind: welcome to the era of the green festival.

Patrick Child is the Deputy Director General in DG RTD Research and Innovation at the European Commission and a climate leader we had the pleasure of meeting at the COP23 climate conference in Bonn. He shares insights on the policy, research and innovation needed to operationalise the Paris Agreement.

Previously President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Sharan Burrow has led union negotiations on major economic reforms and in labour rights campaigns. In her words, "All companies must have transparent business plans for transition to net zero and negotiate with workers and their unions a pathway to secure good jobs and protect workers in the process." Read her reflections on what the last climate negotiations meant for trade unions and the commitments companies still must make in the face of climate change.

The true catalysts of the 21st century low-carbon revolution will be information and communications technologies: within the next decade, ICTs can help slash up to 20% of our global carbon emissions by helping companies and consumers to more intelligently use and save energy. A fluid and ever-changing ecosystem, ICT touches nearly every industry sector with innovative, personalised and efficient solutions.

Luis Davila is one of the climate movers and shakers we had the pleasure of meeting at the COP23 climate conference in Bonn. His thoughts are part series of high-level interviews aimed at raising public awareness about the COP23 and its priority topics. The goal of each interview is to focus on one relevant issue that is crucial for the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society.

Today, the government of Colombia, in collaboration with international and domestic partners from the public and private sector, launched the TFA 2020 Colombia Alliance. The first country-specific chapter of TFA 2020 in Latin America offers an important platform to identify projects and initiatives for the implementation of commitments for zero-deforestation supply chains, focusing on the palm oil, cattle, dairy and timber industry.

Our cities inhale the thoughts and dreams of 4.1 billion people, and exhale approximately 70% of our total global greenhouse gas. But while the task of making our cities sustainable is no easy feat, it is also by no means insurmountable. There are a number of initiatives that forward-thinking cities are fast adopting to reduce the impact of our global hubs. emissions.

The ever growing number of tourists embodies the pressing need for sustainable tourism. This is why the United Nations has proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (IY2017). The goal of this year is to use tourism as a force for positive change with regards to environmental protection, social inclusion and economic equality. Recognising the adverse environmental impacts of air travel, the Dutch tour operator and social enterprise Better Places decided to take action.

While Stockholm this month became the annual focal point for the globe’s water issues, at Belu Water we want to grow the business bigger than ever, to allow us to increase our part in helping to end water poverty through generating more profit, all of which goes to the amazing work of our partner, WaterAid.

The ClimateLaunchpad is an annual green technology competition run by Climate-KIC Europe across more than 30 countries to recognise the most promising early stage business solutions to climate mitigation and adaptation challenges. Climate-KIC Australia brought the competition to Australia this year as part of a delivery of programs for climate change innovation.

Carbon offsetting can be, on the one hand, seen as a parachute: it acts to slow the descent of our plane and give the world more time to prepare for impact. At the same time, carbon offsetting creates a range of opportunities and benefits beyond the environment, which means it can also double up as an extra jet engine for our airplane.

The Republican Party has adopted a widespread consensus of climate change not being a serious problem and opposes any robust environmental regulation focused on reducing carbon emissions in the U.S. However, a Republican rein in the U.S might not as bad for climate policy and tackling climate change as we might think.

Against the backdrop of President Trump’s imminent withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the tone of the Detroit conference was defiant and optimistic. Many of the conversations I had with other participants confirmed that the spirit of embracing climate change and seizing it as a business opportunity is buoyant and very much alive in the American economy.

Any company operating in the 21st century is quickly realising that sustainability isn’t a buzzword, nor is it a crusade for climate scientists and environmentalists alone. Business-savvy companies are also seeing sustainability as a great economic opportunity: Apart from attracting the next generation of customers who prioritise ethical business practice, a sustainability-centric corporate culture also draws in and retains employees and top talent, many of whom today prefer working for a company that has a measurable positive impact.

Donald Trump's speech on exiting the Paris Agreement on June 01, 2017 rocked the world. While it was certainly a big shock to all of us, South Pole Group CEO Renat Heuberger claims that Trump's erratic decision might actually bear the seeds of something good for the imminent global climate future.

The Ocean Cleanup wants to create a better, cleaner future for everyone by ridding the world’s oceans of plastic. Creating this future is not just about developing innovative technology, it’s also about nurturing a sustainable attitude, one that we strive to incorporate into every step of The Ocean Cleanup’s journey. We hope that by making this event carbon neutral we have not only expressed our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint, but also inspired others to do so as well.

Sustainable Brands has announced the renewal of their renewable energy partnership with South Pole Group to help minimize the footprint of their global events. They chatted with Melanie Wilneder, a Key Account Manager at South Pole Group, to learn more about the ever-growing renewable energy market worldwide, and which solutions make the most sense for business.

Leading companies have signed long-term commitments to power their operations with renewable energy, lower their carbon footprint and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, these ambitions are often challenged by procurement constraints, legislative restrictions or a lack of transparency regarding the available products and solutions. Premium renewable energy certificates (RECs) can offer a welcome solution to these challenges.

The new Trump administration’s words and actions regarding climate change and energy policy portend a stark departure from the stance of the Obama Administration. For several years, the international community, led by the United States, has been heading towards a low-carbon economy. Many signs indicate that we are about to relinquish our role in the areas of climate change leadership and energy innovation. But will a change in direction significantly impact the energy transition and the way in which investors position themselves?

One of our favorite topics at LUCA is using Big Data for Social Good, to measure our progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aside from goals 7, 11 and 13, on energy, cities, and climate, there is also number 17, which we believe is extremely important: create compelling partnerships in order to achieve the objectives of the SDGs. This is precisely why our team has been working together with partners to find a smarter data solution for reducing air pollution in cities.

Luxury brands have not been traditionally associated with robust action on environmental impacts or sustainability, despite these two trends becoming the new ‘business as usual’ in the mainstream consumer goods sector. However, according to a new report from Positive Luxury titled ‘Predictions for the Luxury Industry: Sustainability and Innovation’, the sustainability gap is finally starting to close. We had the pleasure of interviewing Diana Verde Nieto, one of the two trailblazing entrepreneurs behind this innovative company we now have the opportunity to partner with. Diana emphasises that sustainability is no longer nice-to-have for luxury brands - it is now a requirement.

By choosing to embrace climate change as an opportunity, bold and progressive corporates around the globe are future-proofing their business models and establishing themselves as leaders. But much like in business, success in communicating corporate climate action does not happen by chance: only well-planned sustainability communications can unearth stories of shared value and inspire others to take action - and ultimately serve as the tipping point for business success.

While many valuable initiatives to catalyse climate action are already underway, the real question is more than just how business can complement government carbon mitigation commitments: it is about how the corporate sector can help to proactively address climate impacts and adaptation in such a rapidly changing world. So how are companies fulfilling their responsibilities and what is a ‘Corporate Climate Leader’?

When a solution to a given problem doesn’t lie in front of our eyes, it is easy to assume that no solution exists. The same applies to turning the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into a value-driving component of business operations. As a social enterprise focused on developing sustainable solutions, especially on climate change, there is hardly a project or mandate that does not relate to one or several of the SDGs. Turning the SDGs into a catalyser for better, climate-friendlier business should have been straightforward for South Pole Group. Far from it. Going from this intuitively obvious framework of targets to a strategy and practical approach did not come without some sweat and tears.

2016 was an extraordinary year for many of us. In June, the UK’s ‘Brexit’ vote sent shockwaves through the EU and rest of the Western world. In November, the UN climate conference that took place in Marrakech will most likely go down in history as the ‘Trump COP’. The former imperial city in Morocco had a ginger-coloured cloud hanging over it, which had nothing to do with the desert dust.

As corporate non-financial reporting becomes ever-more sophisticated, one blind spot remains: the supply chain. The majority of environmental impacts often lie further down in the supply chain, where robust data and reporting practices are often a challenge. On what topics can global brands engage with their suppliers to address this problem?

At the beginning of October, an environmental landmark passed with little fuss: The last of the world’s 55 biggest greenhouse gases emitters ratified the historic Paris Agreement. The news generated fewer headlines than the initial deal. It also generated fewer headlines than April’s joint ratification statement by the US and China. But it was arguably more significant than both. Because, as per the agreement’s small print, reaching the 55-country means that the ambitious pact can finally come into force. Now the hard work begins.

Between Hawaii and San Francisco lies the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest accumulation zone of ocean plastic. Plastic usage is on the rise and therefore the influx of plastic in the oceans is expected to increase. It won’t go away by itself, and now it’s time to clean up the mess.

Climate change is generally accepted as presenting the insurance industry with unprecedented levels of risk. As the probability of extreme events increases, it will become more difficult to insure against them – and at levels that may remain affordable for customers. This could not only undermine the viability of commercial insurance but also lead to a society less prepared for the future shocks of climate change. All parts of the insurance industry have a role to play in supporting the global transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. However, only a response by the industry that reflects the global nature and impact of climate change and that promotes novel, innovative and collaborative solutions, can ensure that the markets of today remain insurable ones in the future.

In recent years, green bond markets have emerged as a new way for investors in the capital markets to access sustainable investments. Cities have taken note. European cities in France and Sweden have been issuing green bonds since 2012. Municipalities in the US have a long track record of raising low-cost debt in the municipal bond market but only recently have begun to label bonds as ‘green’ in order to meet this demand signal from investors.

Much of our increasingly urban world takes access to clean water for granted, viewing it as an inexhaustible resource. Yet today, hundreds of millions of people will go without clean water and one out of three people will not have access to proper sanitation (WHO & UNICEF, 2015). In 2010, more urban dwellers were without access to water services than in 2000 (De Castro Zoratto & Ivins, 2015), and it is estimated that by 2050 the global demand for water will increase by 55% (WWAP, 2015). Meeting basic water needs will continue to be a challenge.

Over the past year, a growing number of large asset owners globally have announced that they invest in low-carbon solutions to reduce their portfolios carbon footprint, or intend to do. Our team at STOXX recently talked to Susan Dreyer, Country Director DACH Region at CDP Europe, about the power of measurement and information disclosure, the investors’ role in addressing climate change and the effectiveness of new indexes to find out more.

A thirsty crop, the coffee beans in Kagera require a great deal of water but, ironically enough, the majority of the actual coffee farmers have a hard time ensuring safe water for themselves and their families. This is a story of corporate climate action, your cup of coffee, and how people’s lives have been changed with the wide availability of household water filters.

The growth potential and projected future growth trajectories of many developing countries have sparked debate over the apparent paradox of simultaneous economic growth and climate stabilisation. Nonetheless it has been demonstrated by various countries that economic growth can be “decoupled” from growth in CO2 emissions. This is where harnessing renewable energy sources have and will continue playing a key role.

I know that all of our experts at South Pole Group work very hard, every day, to bring our products to our clients to help them attain their sustainability goals. And sometimes, the business feels like what it is - a business - focused on earning money to keep the business running. But it’s actually much more: our business has a purpose - and generates strong positive impacts. After my visit to our Kariba REDD+ project site in Northern Zimbabwe I wanted to share my message and thank everyone from our partners and clients to our supporters who are helping to make these projects happen.

As the human demographic continues to expand, our increased use of resources enter into conflict with biodiversity. In this context of needing to ensure cohabitation between our society, our built capital and nature, Investment in Watershed Services (IWS) becomes particularly useful - not least for the corporate community.

Now that 195 nations have promised to signed up to the Paris climate agreement, the hard work begins. The signatories have all committed to ramping up their fight against climate change, but what happens next will prove crucial. The new five-year national plans to reduce global warming will provide the roadmap for action. It is now, at the beginning of these national plans that we should be strengthening the role of green bonds and allowing financial capital to flex its muscles.

There is no doubt that these companies have made huge strides on water (and sustainability more broadly) in recent years and should be lauded. They are fellow environmental advocates and keenly recognise the fundamental importance of environmental issues to business and society. Nonetheless the time has come to push the aforementioned leaders (and their peers) to thinking more deeply about sustainability target setting - notably on water.

Being able to match investment strategy with the financial and ethical interests of tomorrow’s contingencies requires an overhaul of the tools used to navigate yesterday’s investment climate. New instruments need to both ensure proper alignment with the prevailing market and inform the investor on the positioning of the portfolio with market and policy roadmaps, in the context of the ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy.

Now more than ever, investing in winning economies means investing in true ecological winners. This requires identifying all relevant environmental risks in your portfolio. Looking at the world through the prism of the Ecological Footprint can reveal trends on countries’ ecological wealth and associated risks, as well as the carbon-intensity and health of their economy.

This month of March began with an inspiring video and note from Melinda on what she sees as a key constraint to women’s empowerment: time. We could not agree more. We need to address the key constraint of time in order to empower women, and we need better mechanisms to measure impacts & channel funds to deserving projects.

Companies from Apple to REI already are recognizing the advantages of embracing renewable energy to their bottom lines. To get some additional insight into what renewable energy means to business in the near and long-term, Mike Hower from Sustainable Brands spoke with Stefan Rösch, Director of Key Accounts, at South Pole Group.

Nature is attracting increasingly more attention from finance professionals - and particularly their clients who are both nervous about future risks in an increasingly resource-constrained world, and motivated to drive positive change. There is great value and, recalling the "water & jobs" theme of this year’s World Water Day, many employment opportunities to be created from investing in nature.

This year's International Day of Forests is devoted to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees to our economic, environmental, and social well being. However, this awareness must be paired with concrete action if we want preserve our valuable ecosystems.

The world is well on its way towards a renewable energy future but will need strong leaders to expedite this important transition. Green buildings and green building networks are currently an underused resource that can take on this leadership role.

With consensus emerging among investors that a company's non-financial or so-called "sustainability" performance is indicative of its overall financial health, attention has turned to ways to make the form and substance of sustainability disclosures more consistent.

As the global leaders' conference in Davos reminds us, the global economy is starting to pivot around the urgent necessity to limit global warming well below two degrees Celsius. This new reality will ultimately make climate-smart investment strategies a prerequisite: taking on a "wait-and-see" approach will invite real danger into portfolios as risks grow and become tougher to mitigate.

ICT companies all over the world have embarked on a 21st century clean power crusade to match their business goals and sustainability pledges with cost-effective renewable energy. With more and more companies spreading out operations beyond national borders, renewable energy certificates (RECs) can offer a lucrative means to report performance, mitigate business risks and align the wider implementation of renewable energy with strategic business objectives.

The inclusive nature of the Paris Agreement will further spark demand for better facilitation between the various stakeholders working together. Translating policy into practical action will not happen without having a common language and key facilitators between the potpourri of parties involved.

Economic empowerment is a key step in making women full participants in their communities. Nonetheless there still remains the need to link such initiatives of economic empowerment to programmes that address the issue of women’s empowerment in a more fundamental way. The next key question for corporate leaders to reflect upon should be the following: How to efficiently organise the millions of dollars currently being spent on increasing opportunities for women?

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are here - and here to stay for the next fifteen years. We know that they will be forming the basis of investment decision making for the public sector, but what do they actually mean for business?

In order to halt climate change, close to 100% of the world's scientists agree that we must drastically reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions. As one fair and efficient way to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon markets will certainly be part of the answer.

World leaders have shaken hands on the new Sustainable Development Goals that will hopefully be shaping global and local agendas and policies over the next 15 years. The UN Sustainable Development summit coincided with the 7th edition of Climate Week, which was jam-packed with well-timed announcements and strong messages in favor of a low-carbon economy.

This year's number one sustainability risk is - water.
According to the latest World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report, the adverse impacts of water crises could even surpass the impacts of climate change. The effects can already be felt across industry sectors and society at large: in line with the narrative from the WEF, a recent study by CDP found that two-thirds of the world's largest companies are now reporting exposure to water risks - with 22% anticipating that this could limit the growth of their business.

Will Paris be a success? Will the agreement at CoP21 ensure global temperature raise stays within the 2° limit? What are the concrete consequences of Paris for my company?
As the CEO of the South Pole Group, a global sustainability solutions provider, I am debating such questions with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors on a daily basis. COP21, the next UN climate summit in Paris, is only a few months away. Therefore, we have decided to roll out our big crystal ball and present you our 10 key outcomes you should (and should not) expect from Paris.

Stakeholder collaboration can help management prepare for a better future: Stakeholder expertise on operations on the ground can unveil areas in supply chains where there is high risk potential and unexplored opportunities.

Ultimately, the SDGs will affect organizations and institutions of all shapes and sizes, from the European Union to municipalities and corporations, and engagement from a wide scale of actors will be crucial in shaping the future agenda. The playing field and the adoption of the SDGs marks a new era for both the public and private sector to deepen and broaden their sustainability efforts.

Overcoming decades of hostility, Iran and six nations led by the United States reached an historic accord this month to limit Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The deal has sparked significant debate amongst supporters and opponents alike, who question the impact the agreement might have on the region’s stability and future relations with the West.

With the timeline to Paris climate negotiations shrinking by the day, climate change mitigation and an aggressive clean energy generation goal are among the top topics on Mexico's policy agenda. Forward-looking companies are already anticipating its effects on business.

Many wildlife areas inhabited by the “big 5” animal species provide few alternatives apart from hunting — the hunt of Cecil, a renowned black-maned lion that recently hit the news, being a prominent example.

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, today launched From the Margins to the Mainstream: Assessment of the Impact Investment Sector and Opportunities to Engage Mainstream Investors. The report provides a market assessment and recommendations for how mainstream investors can more actively engage in impact investing. Impact investing – an investment approach intentionally seeking to create both financial return and positive social impact that is actively measured – has been hailed as an emerging investment approach with the potential to reconcile key shortcomings in traditional financial markets.